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Think of a hobby you enjoy, a celebrity you'd love to meet or an exciting activity you've always wanted to try. Now imagine getting to do those things on a cruise. With popular options like CrossFit, craft beer and popular TV shows and movies, theme cruises are a great option in 2025 for first-time cruisers or those looking to combine an interest with a relaxing vacation.
Some theme cruises offer up chances to hobnob with famous musicians, authors or athletes, or attend lectures, concerts and Q&As in intimate settings. Others allow cruisers plenty of downtime to indulge in their passions. For example, food and wine cruises offer a range of culinary pursuits, from regional wine tastings led by a sommelier to cooking lessons from a celebrity chef.
Most cruise lines offer either full-ship or partial-ship themed experiences throughout the year, catering to all interests and types of traveler. Read on to discover the best themed cruises of 2025 based on your interests.
Norwegian Encore's Performance of Kinky Boots (Photo: Norwegian Cruises)
With a lineup worthy of the best New York theaters, the Broadway Cruise 3 offers musical lovers a chance to enjoy some of the top Broadway performances while at sea. Confirmed performers include Roger Bart, Shoshana Bean, Laura Benanti, Wayne Brady, Caissie Levy and Brian Stokes Mitchell, among many other renowned Broadway stars.
Beyond performances, cruisers can sign up for workshops, dance classes, Broadway karaoke sessions, Q&As and many other interactive activities during the four-day cruise aboard Norwegian Gem. The ship departs from Miami on March 31 and calls at Cozumel on April 2 before returning to Miami.
Ship Exterior on Explorer of the Seas (Photo: Cruise Critic)
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Star Trek: Voyager" in 2025, this seven-day theme cruise offers fans of the iconic sci-fi movie and TV show a chance to meet Kate Mulgrew, Jonathan Frakes, John de Lancie, Denise Crosby and Robert O’Reilly, alongside other Star Trek stars.
From the moment passengers board Explorer of the Seas in Miami to the moment they disembark in Belize, they’ll have access to a full range of activities, from lectures and conversations with a NASA astronaut, to makeup artist demos, nightly theme parties and trivia games.
This theme cruise is only available once in 2025 -- between February 23 and March 2 -- and calls at Costa Maya and Cozumel. While the ship features plenty of kid-friendly attractions (a surf simulator called FlowRider, the Perfect Storm water slides and a rock-climbing wall, to name a few), guests 12 and under are not permitted on this itinerary.
Wine tasting on a ship (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)
Oenophiles will be hard-pressed to find a better themed cruise in 2025. Voyage du Vin is an 11-night Spain sailing, organized in partnership with UK wine merchant Corney & Barrow. The itinerary starts in Barcelona on October 13, visiting Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Cadiz, Vigo and La Coruña, before disembarking in Southampton on October 24.
Passengers can enjoy tastings, classes, talks, and Q&A sessions with renowned experts such as winemaker Peter Sissek and wine writer Will Lyons. Shore excursions include day trips to local vineyards, guided tours of historic sights, and food and wine tastings in quaint neighborhoods.
The 2,081-passenger Queen Victoria offers an elegant, adult-focused ambiance, perfectly complementing the food and wine theme of this cruise. With a wonderful spa, two generous pools and nightly live theater shows, the ship provides a great mix of entertainment and relaxation.
Spin class on AmaMagna (Photo: AmaWaterways)
AmaWaterways launches in 2025 its Celebration of Wellness series of themed cruises with a seven-night itinerary from Budapest to Vilshofen, departing August 2. The sailing includes daily wellness classes such as yoga, core stretching and dance, as well as hiking excursions, walking or bike tours and guided runs at each port.
From healthy gourmet menus and morning juice bars to expert-led wellness talks and Q&As, every detail is tailored for those prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Ports of call on this river cruise include Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Linz and Passau. Another Celebration of Wellness theme cruise will sail roundtrip from Paris on August 9, exploring Normandy ports.
AmaWaterways’ small river vessels make for an intimate cruise experience, allowing for quiet moments but also plenty of chances to meet other like-minded passengers in a relaxed atmosphere. While the cruise line has not yet confirmed the ships for these itineraries, ships for this itinerary may include AmaBella, AmaLea, AmaMora, AmaReina, AmaSonata or AmaVerde.
Halloween onboard Disney Fantasy (Photo: CC Help Jenn/Cruise Critic Forums)
Disney Cruise Line offers the ultimate Halloween themed cruise for travelers with children and Disney fans of all ages. The focus of Halloween on the High Seas is family fun and Disney characters rather than skulls, gore and vampires, making it a great option for families with young kids who might not enjoy the spookier versions of the celebration.
The Disney Halloween experience is offered on most itineraries between late September and October 31 on Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. Passengers can expect ships to be decked out in elaborate decor, like balloons, spiderwebs and pumpkins, while eateries are complete with menus toting Halloween-inspired items.
In addition to the regular activities available on Disney ships, these itineraries will offer themed character encounters, a Mickey Mouse-querade, Halloween-themed arts and crafts sessions, and musical performances with a spooky twist.
Pool deck on Azamara Journey (Photo: Rachel King)
Azamara runs multiple golf-themed cruises in partnership with Perry Golf across a variety of countries. This year, its 13-night Golf & British Isles itinerary in mid-July includes attendance at the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, making it the best theme cruise for golf enthusiasts.
The package includes up to six rounds of golf at prestigious courses throughout the British Isles, ground transportation to and from the courses, green fees, carts, on-course lunches and clubhouse post-round drinks. Onboard, passengers can join golf-themed social gatherings.
For non-golfers, excursions include city highlight tours, beer tastings and river cruises, among many other activities.
The itinerary includes four overnight stays in Belfast, Greenock and Leith, allowing ample time for sightseeing, golfing and relaxation. During the two sea days, passengers will find a decent array of things to do onboard Azamara Journey, including excellent restaurants, an outstanding AzAmazing Evening program, a serene spa, and a small but lovely pool.
Discovery Princess in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Any Alaska cruise is a nature lover’s dream, but in 2025, Jeff Corwin’s Nature & Adventure Voyage takes it to another level. Onboard Discovery Princess, the renowned biologist and wildlife conservationist will host meet-and-greets, lectures, Q&As, guided shore excursions in each port of call.
The itinerary begins in Seattle on August 17, and calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria. This season offers prime whale and bear sightings, with passengers likely to experience multiple wildlife encounters. Those hoping to admire Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier should wake up early for the scenic journey from Ketchikan to Juneau.
This cruise is an excellent pick for those who prefer a mix of adventure and relaxation, too. After exploring natural parks and cultural sights, passengers can head to the Discovery Princess’ bustling atrium for a drink and some live music, hit the casino or retreat to the adults-only Sanctuary.
Ornaments for sale at the Salzburg Christmas markets (Photo; Chris Gray Faust)
Christmas markets, fairy lights, mulled wine and regional delicacies: Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine 2025 theme cruise checks all the boxes for a magical holiday experience. This eight-day sailing departs from Amsterdam, and calls at Dorsdecht, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.
Along the way, passengers will enjoy scenic views of hilltop castles, waterways and charming villages. Viking’s river ships, which carry about 200 passengers each, are typically decked out in classic Christmas decor, including wreaths, garlands, string lights and ornaments.
Sailings are available throughout November and December. We recommend the earlier dates, as Christmas markets become increasingly crowded closer to the holidays.